Abstract: An imager system is disclosed comprising a image intensifier and a CMOS image sensor. The system provides fast capture speed and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for automatically locating positions on an object and uniquely identifying the object employing an electronic tag positioned in or on the object. The system utilizes a plurality of sensors to locate the electronic tag and identify the object, and triangulation techniques to locate positions on the object where the object may be manipulated according to instructions coded with respect to the positions. Advantageously, the present invention may be used for automatically locating specimens on a microscope slide without regards to their positions on the slide, and for uniquely labeling a microscope slide.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining the developmental age of a fetus or detecting cancer cells in a sample is provided. The method utilizes, for example, a sample of blood from a pregnant female and telomeric nucleic acid probes.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantitating multiple and unique fluorescent signals from a cell sample is provided. The method combines immunohistochemistry and a fluorescent-labeled in situ hybridization techniques. The method is useful for identifying specific subcellular components of cells such as chromosomes and proteins.

Abstract: Operational means for automatic microscopic detection and analysis of fluorescent signals from a treated biological sample.

Abstract: An imager system is disclosed comprising a image intensifier and a CMOS image sensor. The system provides fast capture speed and high sensitivity.

Abstract: Automated methods for detecting cancer and related hyperplasias in biological samples.

Abstract: An automated, highly sensitive, specific and potentially quantitative detection method using an automated microscope for identifying and enumerating rare cancer cells in blood and other fluids.

Abstract: A light-tight enclosure system for housing an automated microscope.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods for automated screening for gene amplification in biological tissue samples using an automated fluorescence microscope to analyze fluorescence in situ hybridized samples are provided. Various additional embodiments provide methods of high throughput screening for gene amplification.

Abstract: A computer controlled method for detecting and diagnosing a rare cell type in a tissue sample is provided, said method comprising treating the tissue sample such that it generates a first signal indicative of the presence at a location of a rare cell, detecting the first signal, treating the location at which the first signal is detected to generate a second signal indicative of a diagnostically useful cellular characteristic and detecting the second signal. The first signal can be morphological or a color present in a sought cell either before or after staining. The second signal can be generated by in situ PCR or PCR in situ hybridization. In one preferred embodiment, the rare cell type is a fetal cell in a maternal blood tissue sample, said sample consisting of a smear of unenriched maternal blood. In another embodiment, the method is used to diagnose or genotype cancer cells in a blood or tissue biopsy sample.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an object in an image is disclosed wherein a fractal map of the image is generated by estimating the fractal dimension of each pixel in the image. The fractal map may be segmented by thresholding and locations of candidate objects are determined. The pixel value of the image pixel corresponding to the same location where the candidate object is found in the fractal map may be compared to a threshold value. If the pixel value is greater than the threshold value, the candidate object is recognized as a valid object.

Abstract: A method and system for auto-focusing is disclosed where the number of the fractal pixels having a fractal dimension within a predetermined range is determined. The focused image is determined by adjusting the image to maximize the fractal pixel count. Alternatively, the focused image may be selected from a set of images, the image having the largest fractal pixel count selected as the focused image.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for detection of particles, such as biological cells, in samples using a photosensitive waveguide. The photosensitive waveguide changes its transmissivity in a detectable manner in response to controlling radiation emitted from the particles. In preferred embodiments, the waveguide is two-dimensional and the position of the particles as well as their presence is obtained by scanning the waveguide in two non-parallel directions. The provided devices are preferably used to locate labeled cells. The present invention also includes control systems and methods for detecting and locating cells using the devices provided.

Abstract: A light-tight enclosure system, displaceable along a surface, for housing an automated microscope, having electronically controllable components and an image capturing device. The enclosure system may include device for displacement, a shelf for placement of the automated microscope, an externally viewable monitor, and a plurality of electrical power receptacles.

Abstract: An automated cassette and slide handling system is disclosed which organizes microscope slides in cassettes, automatically and sequentially removes individual slides from their respective cassettes, positioned each slide under the microscope as provided by the protocol, and after examination returns the slide to its proper cassette.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an object in an image is disclosed wherein a fractal map of the image is generated by estimating the fractal dimension of each pixel in the image. The fractal map may be segmented by thresholding and locations of candidate objects are determined. The pixel value of the image pixel corresponding to the same location where the candidate object is found in the fractal map may be compared to a threshold value. If the pixel value is greater than the threshold value, the candidate object is recognized as a valid object.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantitating multiple and unique fluorescent signals from a cell sample is provided. The method combines immunohistochemistry and a fluorescent-labeled in situ hybridization techniques. The method is useful for identifying specific subcellular components of cells such as chromosomes and proteins.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantitating multiple and unique fluorescent signals from a cell sample is provided. The method combines immunohistochemistry and a fluorescent-labeled in situ hybridization techniques. The method is useful for identifying specific subcellular components of cells such as chromosomes and proteins.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the automated prenatal genetic diagnosis of aneuploidy using an automated fluorescence microscope, conducted on samples of maternal blood that have been hybridized with FISH probes.